Live Dealer Blackjack

Live dealer blackjack has been a recent, fun development. Truth to be told, mentally challenging and financially rewarding casino games could only be played in certain circumstances.

Unless you lived in Las Vegas or New Jersey or found yourself visiting those locales for business or pleasure, enjoying the thrill of a winning a double down was next to impossible.

Online casinos changed everything though, and today people all over the world can play regular and live online blackjack from the comfort of their own homes. While this advancement undoubtedly represents an improvement on the past, a number of issues regarding online casinos have cropped up over the years.

Live Dealer Casinos

Online casino players reported a nagging feeling of distrust because even though the casinos utilize random number generators to supply the cards in a game such as online blackjack, a simple graphic flashing on your laptop screen just can’t replace the deal of an actual card.

Without the presence of a real, live dealer distributing the next card, many players just can’t get into a game of online blackjack like they do during a visit to a brick and mortar casino.

Fortunately for the millions of players living in places other than Nevada and New Jersey, the bridge between brick and mortar casinos and online gaming action has finally been bridged. By utilizing cutting-edge video streaming software and the power of remote connection, live dealer software has revolutionized the world of online casino gaming.

Evolution Gaming blackjack is the leader in software solutions, used in top casinos such as 888 Casino. Another great software provider is Playtech.

How Does Live Blackjack Online Work

When it comes to playing live blackjack, there are a few options available. Live dealer blackjack, online blackjack, and land-based blackjack are the basic formats on offer. With live dealer blackjack, games are played from the player’s chosen location and the game takes place in a live format.

Live online blackjack will be played in a studio or casino setting and then streamed to the players involved. With online blackjack, players are still competing online, but games are simulated and not in live form. And of course, with land-based casino blackjack, the games take place in real time, with players located on-site taking part.

Live dealer blackjack combines the best of both worlds, transporting players into a living, breathing casino floor. By recording a blackjack dealer live in action and connecting you directly to him/her and his/her table, the unique live dealer blackjack software replicates the casino experience in nearly every aspect.

Rather than simply waiting for the graphics on your screen to change, you can watch as a real dealer peels the next card from an actual deck of cards. Everything is recorded and streamed live to your computer or laptop, so every hand you play happens in real time.

Live Online Blackjack

Because the live dealer blackjack software powers dozens of platform providers, ranging from classic online gaming entities like Poker Stars, Full Tilt Poker, and Playtech, to upstarts like Bovada and Amaya Gaming, the presentation can be slightly different depending on the venue.

For example, many live dealer platforms are recorded and streamed from a purpose-built dealer studio. These studios include regulation blackjack tables outfitted exactly like the real deal in Vegas, along with an actual dealer standing at the ready with a smile as she deals the next hand.

These purpose-built dealer studios are equipped with state of the art lighting, cameras, and streaming technology, which means your at home experience should never be interrupted by glitches or lost connections.

Play With Real People

Another way the live dealer blackjack software transports you to a brick and mortar casino is by bringing the casino straight into your home. Under an agreement with various casinos throughout the country, a live blackjack online game is able to record real tables as they operate. This means you can play along with real people, all while a casino licensed dealer drives the action.

Playing blackjack through a live dealer platform combines the best parts of online gaming and live casinos. You’re never forced to deal with the doubts associated with random number generators, so win or lose, when the cards come down you know without a doubt that each hand has been dealt fairly.

Even better, live dealer casinos turn the online gaming experience from a solitary pursuit into an activity that involves interactive participation.

How to Play Live Dealer Blackjack

At first, firing up a game of live dealer blackjack is just like any other visit to an online casino. You’ll sign up for an account and fund your bankroll, before heading to the lobby and selecting your game of choice.

From there, everything changes, because the sterile look and feel of traditional online gaming are immediately replaced by a live dealer, crisp new cards, and a fresh green felt.

Live Blackjack Interface

The interface you’ll encounter when playing on most live dealer platforms is intuitive and easy to learn. At the center of the screen, you’ll see a live blackjack table, complete with a full shoe of decks and a beautiful dealer ready to run the game.

Starting to Play

After clicking through a series of quick onscreen menus to select your wager amount and the number of hands you’d like to play, the dealer will slide cards to the corresponding spots on the table.

Colorful prompts will then appear on the screen, allowing you to exercise the basic blackjack options to hit, stand, split, or double down depending on the situation.

Watching the Dealer

If you’re familiar with traditional online casino gaming, the click through menus and onscreen prompts will make you feel right at home. The thrill of live dealer blackjack comes from being able to see the cards that decide each hand’s fate actually being delivered to the table.

Advanced streaming technology brings each card right to your screen in high resolution, so you’ll never be left wondering how real a random number generator actually is.

Live Blackjack Basics

Live dealer blackjack games are almost always played at a seven-handed table. Blackjacks payout at the standard 3:2 ratio across all live dealer platform providers.

House Edge

Although the house edge does vary across the board, the range runs from as low as 0.410% and as high as 0.695%. The vast majority of platforms utilize an eight deck shoe, but every so often you’ll encounter six-deck deck variety.

The dealer will always stand on 17 during live dealer blackjack sessions, but other than this provision, the mandatory actions applied to the dealer’s hand vary from platform to platform.

Betting Limits

Betting limits for live dealer blackjack games may vary and you’ll find everything from $50 maximum wagers to $10,000 per hand high roller tables.

Each of the dozens of live casino blackjack platform providers in operation today has a unique set of house rules and betting limits, so it’s imperative that you brush up on the basics before getting into the game.

Special Rules

You should take the time to read up on the house rules for any platform you decide to play, because the rules regarding double downs, surrenders, and splits can vary wildly from venue to venue.

Tips to Play Live Dealer Blackjack

Just like any other online casino game, it’s important to play (and gamble) in a smart way, therefore, it’s imperative to study and follow all good advice given concerning blackjack. Learning a few tips for online live dealer blackjack will help you to (hopefully) earn a profit and build a solid bankroll.

Top Tips for Online Live Dealer Blackjack

Choose the Minimum Bet Wisely: You know your bankroll so choose a table with a minimum bet you can afford. A good rule of thumb is to play the game where the minimum bet is equal to or less than 5% of your bankroll. This way you can play for a longer period of time.

Placing Your Bets: Do not be intimidated by online live blackjack. The method of placing wagers is basically the same as land-based blackjack and you can easily catch on when playing the live version online.

Chat Function: One of the highlights of playing live dealer blackjack is the fact that you can chat with others. Players can usually always chat with the dealer and some casinos offer player to player chatting.

Best Live Dealer Blackjack Casinos

When it comes to online live dealer blackjack, players need to choose the online casino wisely. Knowing where to play the game will help you to find the most variants on offer, as well as the option to take advantage of any new player bonuses or regular promotions. Some online casinos may offer quality welcome offers but only one version of live dealer blackjack. Other sites might provide lower bonuses but have a nice selection of blackjack variations in their live dealer section. Players will need to review what the casino provides to make a decision based on individual needs. It is also important to note if an online casino is available in your region as well as if they are a trusted site.

For US Players

For live dealer blackjack players located in the United States, BetOnline Casino is a great place to find options for gameplay. The site has five Blackjack HD tables, with stakes ranging from 10-500, 100-5000 and 25-2500. When viewing the table choices, players can see each dealer, choosing which dealer they want plus stake.

At BetOnline, players have a long list of banking options: Making a deposit and withdrawal is simple when a new account is made. A few of the popular options for deposit at BetOnline include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, and MasterCard.

For payouts, players like to use Bitcoin, Ethereum, Neteller, and Skrill. Other methods are available for both deposit and withdrawal, so be sure and review your options upon account creation to find the best method for your banking needs.

For Non-US Players

Players located outside the United States will find live dealer online blackjack at a variety of casinos, including Betway Casino and 888 Casino. Each offers live dealer blackjack and provides players with plenty of 21 action. Choosing any one of these online casinos will result in quality live dealer casino games, including blackjack.

Betway Casino

When it comes to live dealer blackjack, Betway Casino is a great option for players located outside the US. The site offers the games with qualified dealers and even offers a special bonus for the game.

Players can earn a 100% match on their first deposit of £20 or more, with up to £250 available. Betway also provides additional bonus options on a new player’s 2nd and 3rd deposits. The bonus cash must be wagered 50x in order to cash out.

888Casino

At 888Casino, non-US players will have access to unique live dealer blackjack options. With HD quality, full table action and various betting options, players are sure to enjoy the live dealer blackjack games here.

Players have the ability to Double Down, Split or choose new side bets like Perfect Pairs and 21+3. The online live dealer blackjack games on offer at 888Casino are quite popular and a great way to experience such games for the very first time.